Nikon

Nikon D5 Review

Reviews
15
Score
82/100
From
MSRP $6,500
Released
March 2016

We've aggregated 15 high-signal reviews and 0 live retailer prices below.

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Nikon D5
Available
Our take
Worth buying

Our editorial take on the Nikon D5

The Nikon D5 is a professional workhorse DSLR built for speed and reliability in the field. With its 153-point autofocus system (99 cross-type), 12 fps continuous shooting with tracking, and a shutter rated to 400,000 actuations, it's designed to handle the most demanding action and sports photography. Reviewers consistently praise the autofocus performance, noting that the Multi-CAM 20K system excels at identifying, locking onto, and tracking subjects with exceptional accuracy. The magnesium alloy body with weather sealing and a battery rated for 3780 shots per charge ensure it can work through long assignments without faltering.

At 20.8 megapixels, the D5 prioritizes speed and low-light capability over resolution. Reviewers observe that image quality is solid and improved over its predecessor, though not quite as crisp as some competitors. The native ISO range stretches to 102,400, expandable to an extreme 3,280,000, making it viable in near-darkness. Video is present but basic: 4K at 30p with 8-bit H.264, adequate for documentation but not a primary strength. Dual card slots (XQD or CF), gigabit Ethernet, and professional I/O round out a feature set aimed squarely at working pros who need to deliver under pressure.

Best for: Professional sports, wildlife, and action photographers who prioritize autofocus speed and camera durability over high resolution.
What's great
  • Exceptional 153-point AF system with reliable subject tracking
  • 12 fps continuous shooting with full AF and AE tracking
  • 400,000-actuation shutter and 3780-shot battery life for pro endurance
  • Native ISO up to 102,400 for extreme low-light shooting
  • Robust magnesium alloy build with full weather sealing
Watch outs
  • 20.8MP resolution trails competitors for detail and cropping flexibility
  • 4K video limited to 30p with basic 8-bit codec

Synthesized by Geared editors from aggregated expert reviews.

What reviewers say

Best reviews

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Video reviews

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Editorial reviews

dpreview.com·
Setting new standards: Nikon D5 Review - DPReview

The Nikon D5 is the company's flagship action-oriented DSLR, sporting a 20.8MP full-frame sensor, 153-point autofocus system and a full-size, double-grip ...

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imaging-resource.com·
Nikon D5 Review - Conclusion - Imaging Resource

Pros & Cons · Excellent image quality with crisp, vibrant JPEG images · Excellent high ISO performance · Good dynamic range · Vibrant colors · Very quick power- ...

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imaging-resource.com·
Nikon D5 Review - Image Quality - Imaging Resource

The D5 does do a bit better than its predecessor thanks to its higher resolution, but its not quite as crisp. The Nikons offer the highest contrast of the group ...

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popphoto.com·
Nikon D5 Camera Review | Popular Photography

The Nikon D5 earned an Excellent rating in image quality from its lowest sensitivity of ISO 50 all the way through ISO 12,800. In contrast, the ...

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kenrockwell.com·
Nikon D5 Review & Sample Images by Ken Rockwell

The Nikon D5 is an extraordinary camera because of its superior autofocus system that really does automatically identify, locate, lock-on and track autofocus ...

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dslrbodies.com·
Nikon D5 Camera Review | DSLRBodies | Thom Hogan

The D5 now comes with a 20.8mp FX sensor that's better at, well, certainly at high ISO performance, video, and a number of other things, but not so much at low ...

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samhurdphotography.com·
GEAR REVIEW // Nikon D5 Review - Sam Hurd Photography

The D5 is a winner for me. It's not a perfect camera by any means, but the reality is the vast majority of images I work on day to day require reliable auto ...

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Specs

Body
Battery
EN-EL18a rechargeable lithium-ion, CIPA-rated for approximately 3780 shots
Build Material
Magnesium alloy chassis
Weather Sealing
Dust- and weather-resistant
Video
Bit Depth
14-Bit (stills)
Internal Codecs
MOV/H.264
Max Frame Rate 4k
29.97p
Max Frame Rate Hd
1080/59.94p
Max Video Resolution
4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
Extras
Network Ethernet
1000 Base-T (Gigabit)
Shutter Lifespan
400,000 actuations
Sensor
Sensor Size
FX-format (35.9 x 23.9 mm)
Sensor Type
CMOS
Image Processor
EXPEED 5
Effective Megapixels
20.8 MP
Release
Announced Date
January 6, 2016
Exposure
Iso Range Video
100-102400 (Auto, Manual), 3280000 (Expanded)
Iso Range Stills
100-102400 (Native), 50-3280000 (Expanded)
Continuous Shooting
12 fps with AF and AE tracking, 14 fps with mirror up
Shutter Speed Mechanical
1/8000 to 30 Seconds
Display Vf
Viewfinder
0.72x optical pentaprism
Rear Screen
3.2" 2.36m-dot LCD monitor
Touchscreen
Yes
Lens Mount
Lens Mount
Nikon F
Storage Io
Hdmi
1x Mini-HDMI Output
Audio Io
1x 3.5mm Microphone, 1x 3.5mm Headphone
Wireless
Yes (with optional WT-6/A/B/C Wireless Transmitter)
Card Slots
2x XQD or 2x CompactFlash
Stabilization Af
Af Points
153 focus points (99 cross-type)
Af System
Multi-CAM 20K Autofocus System
Af Low Light
-4 EV (center point), -3 EV (other points)